Yellow Bulbs?

[Wayne 962]

Customer recently emailed me this question:

Hi Wayne,

I was wondering if you can help me. I recently bought a 2002 325 CI with sport package and premium package. As you know, the sport package has clear lens but with a yellow bulb. I switched those bulbs to a "hyper" white bulbs. However, when the lights are turned on it is not bright as I want them to be. I want them to at least compare with the xenon. Basically, I want them to be as bright as when they flash but constantly bright all the time. I know that I can cross the wires to make it happen, but I don't want to do that because it might void my warranty with BMW and it will make it blink rapidly (past experience from my Integra). I switched the side markers and the back lights, so only the front light has to be completed. Also, I would like the back bulbs to be red. Are there any red bulbs out there????

My friend says basically I need to add more voltage to the light. Is there a bulb I can buy or a kit or an adapter that will do this for me. Please advise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Eric

[Wayne 962]

Eric, I'm not 100% sure on what you are trying accomplish? The side marker lamps have running lamps (parking lights), and turn signal lamps (one bulb). The running lamp is dimmer than the blinker lamp.

You want the side marker lamps to be as bright as Xenon headlamps? If they are as bright when they flash, then when you flash, you won't see anything flash. The flash would have to turn the whole lamp on or off at a time. The reason why they are not as bright all the time is so that you can see the turn signal flashing.

Which back bulbs? The backup lamps?

Your friend is not correct - the bulbs will use 12V either way. It's the amount of current they draw (V=IR) that determines how much power they output. Using a higher-wattage bulb will increase the current draw, and result in a brighter lamp.

-Wayne

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

And a bulb that is high-enough current will cause the turn signal to blink rapidly, as shown on your Integra.

I'm also not sure what you're asking... If you could be a little more clear in what you're trying to accomplish?

There are red bulbs available here and there, probably even some that are the right size and so on for your taillights. But they look washed-out pink when they go on, and they'll make your Kleer KornerZz look a little bit pink even when they're off...

--DD

[umnitza]

no offense, but this is a strange desire.

part of it is that your bi-xenon lights/lamps are a completely different price and quality class.

Second, parking/turn signal lights operate on mixed voltage. Smaller when on parking, higher when signaling, which is mostly for the other drivers to know that you are turning.

changing the color of a bulb is easy, just get automotive pain that matches your desired color and paint the bulb. It will last maybe half as long as the bulb, so you'll reapply it at some point.

You should get Daylight Demon Eyes

[M3Wizard]

The paint will probably burn off the bulb if it gets too hot. Sounds like you need to just use a higher-wattage bulb.